Efficiency is 'First Fuel' FERC Chair Tells Forum

Managers and policy makers are referring to efficiency as the 'first fuel' and as 'virtual generators,'
Jon Wellinghoff, chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission told the US Energy Association's energy forum.

Citing and showing Lawrence Livermore lab's energy flow chart,
he pointed out that of the 94 quadrillion BTUs of energy consumed in the US, only 40 quads resulted in useful work or comfort.
The remainding 54 quads were lost as heat or other forms of waste.

He quoted the Clean Tech Group as forecasting that energy efficiency investments will be a prime energy investment of 2010.

Other speakers included former Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham and Shell executive vice president Russ Ford.